Bicycle Mechanics - Front-end noise

Noise issues are of course difficult to discuss on the Web, but I wonder whether somebody has a good tip for me.

The problem: When riding, I often hear a creaky noise on the front end. It happens regardless of my position on the handlebar, but applying more pressure (leaning more on one or both ends of the bar) seems to invoke more noise, just as rough road surface does. 'Pulling the bar towards the saddle', or 'pushing it away' does not make a difference.

Steps taken so far: Went to the RBS (remote bike shop), because then there was not only noise (:irritated), but also flex (:irritated :irritated). Their mechanic was very busy, but nevertheless dissassembled the front end; inspected the parts for failures; found no problems; reassembled the front end. The noise was gone for about a week. When it appeared again (without the flex), I repeated the mechanic's actions myself--well, sort of. That cured the illness for less than a weak.

The equipment: Litespeed Arenberg frame, Cane Creek IS integrated headset, Reynolds Ouzo Pro (full carbon) fork, three 50mm carbon spacers, Ritchey Pro stem and handlebar.

Any suggestions how to proceed?

There is supposed to be a spacer between the upper headset bearing and the sealcap. If it is missing, the cap will rub against the rim of bearing and make noise(It also gives a loose/stiff feel).
It can also be the spacers rubbing against one another, 150mm is a bunch and allows the steerer to rock. You might want to consider a stem with more angle that will let you use fewer spacers and a shorter steerer.

Cheers, Reverend! Thanks for your help. Highly appreciated!

* I will inspect the headset for missing spacers, etc. shortly. Thing is, though, that I was riding trouble free for the first three months (3.000 km).

** I didn't know that a 'spacer tower' of 3cm (oops, I got this wrong in my previous post) could be a problem (apart from esthetics :D). Neither did the LBS who built the bike up for me. The 'steerer rock' does not occur all the time, so I have hope that my build is not totally beyond what is feasible. The frame is the 61cm version, the largest available.

*** Suppose then I would leave the setup as it is, could different ('tighter', other material, 'better quality':confused:) spacers or greasing them (even if they are carbon, just like the steerer tube :confused:) help?

Questions, questions. But I think we are getting somewhere. Great forum!

3cm is not bad, I thought it was 15cm, that would be a bunch.
Since it quits when you take it apart and put it back together, you must be in the right spot. You might try a spot of grease everywhere stuff interfaces.

Originally posted by Rev.Chuck
You might try a spot of grease everywhere stuff interfaces.

Thanks again, Reverend!

You don't seem to be worried about the fact that the spacers and the fork steerer tube are both carbon. Is that because they are not really critical areas (like a carbon seatpost in a carbon frame)?

And if I may ask another question (thanks in advance for your patience): Which kind/brand of grease would you recommend to this European forum user? At the moment I have only 'copper paste' (one of the LBS says it is perfect for metal-to-metal contact).

While I don't generally reccomend using lubes around carbon stuff, I have never seen any ill effects from it. The main reason for not using it on a seat post is because the carbon is so slick in the first place that it will slip big time when greased(I like to put a little in there because I have seen carbon post pretty stuck in steel and alluminum frames, just a bit and then wipe every thing off). The new posts come with a rougher finish to combat the slippage.
Anyway, it you are concerned about a possible reaction and are just trying to find the squeak try vegetable shortening, it won't hurt anything and is easy to clean up. There should also be veggie(and hemp) based lubes at the bike shop.
The copper paste sounds like anti-seize. It is good for static metal-metal contact but is not really a lubricant. If your bike shop does not have bearing grease for bikes then I would go to an auto supplier and get some hi-temp wheel bearing grease. I like Kendall super blue.

Triple thanks, Reverend! You have educated me big time. In any case enough to go shopping and 'wrenching' this week-end. In a while I will post how my interpretation and putting into practice of your directions have cured the front-end squeek. :beer: